Paul Merson claims failed £70m Arsenal transfer has been a blessing in disguise

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Arsenal found themselves involved in a hectic transfer saga last January as they tried to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

Mikel Arteta was keen to add cover for Thomas Partey to his squad, and the club even made a bid worth £70m for the Ecuador star.

Brighton rejected several bids for Caicedo from the Gunners, who then signed Chelsea midfielder Jorginho on deadline day.

Caicedo then moved to Chelsea for a British record fee in the summer, whilst Arsenal signed Declan Rice from West Ham, and it’s safe to say Arteta had the last laugh over his midfield targets.

Paul Merson claims Arsenal benefitted from Caicedo rejection

Writing for Sky Sports, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has now claimed that missing out on Caicedo to eventually land Rice has been a blessing in disguise for Arteta.

“He’s (Mauricio Pochettino) got Caicedo on big money on a long-term deal, but he hasn’t dominated one football match yet,” he claimed.

“Meanwhile, Declan Rice runs 90 per cent of the games he plays in. He has a say in the whole game, the way it is played and the way Arsenal play. Caicedo doesn’t do that.”

Caicedo has struggled since his move to Chelsea, whilst Rice has arguably been Arsenal’s best player, with Arteta’s side competing for the title and Pochettino’s currently in 12th place.

Should Arsenal learn a lesson from Caicedo over Ivan Toney?

At the time, the club seemed desperate to land Caicedo, despite Partey being in excellent form at the time.

Jorginho arrived as a much cheaper option, and has been an excellent addition to the squad for his experience and leadership.

Missing out on Caicedo to eventually finance a deal for Rice has proven to be a masterstroke so far, and Arsenal may want to repeat this success when it comes to another transfer battle with Chelsea.

Ivan Toney has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of the January window, and the striker, who has not featured all season, could cost north of £60m.

With Arsenal also keen on Victor Osimhen, who could move in the summer, Arteta may be better served signing a cheaper striker, or indeed none at all given the options he has upfront for now, letting Chelsea sign Toney, before then financing a deal for the Napoli striker at the end of the season.

Toney could well be this season’s Caicedo, with Osimhen next season’s Rice as someone who arrives and makes an instant impact on the team.